Sir John A. Cumber Primary School (SJACPS) recently accepted a donation from Literacy is for Everyone (LIFE) of over 4300 reading books, which exceeds last year’s largest recorded gift of reading materials, 3500. The contribution was organised by the literacy-focused charity and the books were collected from various private firms and schools island-wide.

The majority of books will go toward enhancing individual classroom libraries which LIFE started last year with their original donation and will provide students with greater access to reading materials.  The in-class levelled libraries are part of a structured, independent reading programme and will also assist with LIFE’s paired reading initiative. The availability of reading materials is the first essential element in the creation of supportive literacy environments. Classroom libraries provide access to a range of levelled reading materials to stimulate and develop all students’ love of reading. Research has indicated that a child who reads voluntarily reads more often.

Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, Minister for Education said, “It pleases me to see the generosity of LIFE and its partners. It is through partnerships such as this one that we can continue to strengthen a child’s love for learning and inspire them to be seekers of knowledge.”

LIFE and the Ministry of Education are continuing their work of establishing in-class levelled libraries in every Key Stage 1 Government classroom which covers Years 1-3. LIFE and their partners have helped SJACPS move toward their goal of 15 books for every child and LIFE is continuing to raise funds for their Classroom Libraries Project.

Executive Director for LIFE, Marilyn Conolly said, “LIFE is pleased to support the excellent work of classroom teachers in developing literacy from a very young age. We will continue to be accountable partners with the Ministry of Education and work together to make a difference, One book. One child. One classroom at a time.”

To get more information about how you can be a part of the Classroom Libraries Project, please email LIFE at [email protected] or call 938-6300.